“Definitely, just going by the last few years it’s going in the right direction, previous to that we weren’t anywhere near it, but we’ve been a lot more competitive the last two years.”

Lehane also said that he enjoyed the new format this summer.

“I definitely liked the extra games, it was more matches and less training. I know it can be tough if things don’t go well for you but if you can generate some momentum it’s a really enjoyable experience.

“That’s the dream really and it’s a great situation not even just for Cork, or other counties who genuinely believe they can win it, but for the supporters because the entertainment value is shooting up.

“I think the average fan out there is looking at 2019 and genuinely doesn’t have a clue who is going to win the All-Ireland.

“Look at Waterford in the final last year and this year were unable to get out of Munster. It shows how competitive it is and that really keeps you on your toes.”

Conor Lehane is already looking forward to next season with the Leesiders and is ready to hit the ground running in January for the league campaign,

“I think the League will be about building confidence and setting our stall out for the year. It starts from that and then it naturally builds on come the summer time. But at county level you could never afford to drop the pace in any game really.”

Cork’s Allianz League campaign gets underway away to rivals Kilkenny at the end of January.